Vredefest September 2011

The Vrede Foundation aims to generate awareness amongst Young South Africans (15-29) regarding Cancer. The foundation also aims to raise funds and provide financial aid for Young South Africans with Cancer who do not have medical aid. The foundation was set up as a result of Herman Pretorius Heart-Breaking Story.

Herman Pretorius was involved in the South African music scene for a long time. Originally from Cape Town, this “Bellville Boy” played in high school rock bands with Afrikaans rock heavyweights, Francois van Coke and Wynand Myburgh. He worked as a Production Assistant in M-Net In-house Productions along with his brother, Henre. The initial idea for an Afrikaans music channel was first developed here. Herman headed up the sourcing of the first 1000 South African music video’s and performances that would eventually make up the bulk of the MK channel content. After 4 years and 120 episodes of the popular MK show, AMP, Herman was working hard towards uplifting the local live music industry and providing up-to-date information on the latest developments in the SA music scene.

Tragedy struck one day after the Oppikoppi festival. Herman had been complaining of mild back pain for months prior to the festival but he insisted with the the AMP show. After the festival, Herman’s condition rapidly deteriorated and a month later his back pain was so intense that he was living off 9 Myprodols a day. During a routine stomach sonar at Olivedale Clinic in Randburg the specialist observed what looked like a growth on his kidney. A lung x-ray confirmed their worst suspicions showing multiple tumours (lung metasteses) on his lungs. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Testicular Cancer, with a secondary Lymph Cancer and Tertiary Lung Tumours, which were malignant.

A fight began against an invisible enemy that lived inside of him. With the help and support of friends and family, Herman knuckled down and took the blows. Physically buckled from the chemotherapy, and literally sick to his stomach, he shed a quarter of his bodyweight, but he refused to give up. “I will not become a statistic, I’m not going to die like this”. Unfortunately, the extent of the cancer, along with secondary complications from his last operation were too much for his system to ultimately defeat. He passed away 8 days before his 30th birthday.

The Vrede Foundation continues in his name, determined to carry on with it’s goal to assist Young People with Cancer. All events and Foundation activities will forever embody the love of life and positive energy that Herman epitomised.

You can make a donation towards this cause. For more information about this for the Vredefest merchandise store check out the official Vrede Foundation website. If you don’t want to make a donation or buy merchandise, attend one of the Vredefest concerts that are planned instead, its for a good cause.

On the 23rd of September Cool Runnings Fourways will host the Johannesburg leg of Vredefest September 2011. The line-up will include: Die Heuwels Fantasties, The December Streets, Action Thrillers, Planet Joy and Lemolow. Gates open at 7 PM. Entrance to the event costs R60. No Under 18′s allowed.

On the 24th of September Hatfield Square will host the Pretoria leg of Vredefest September 2011. The line-up will include: Die Heuwels Fantasties, CrashCarBurn, The December Streets, Action Thrillers, Lemolow and Prelude to June. Gates open at 4 PM. Entrance to the event costs R60. No Under 18′s allowed.

Vredefest September 2011 is brought to you by the Vrede Foundation. The 2 events are sponsored by MK and Monster Energy Drink. Crow Entertainment is the company behind the event management and production.